Skin cancers and sunburn - Sunburn treatment

SunSmart home
Skin cancers and sunburn home

Give your skin the time it needs to repair and build up another protective barrier of cells. Stay out of the direct sun until the redness, peeling and pain have disappeared.

When you go out, stay in the shade, slap on a hat, slip on protective clothing that covers the sunburnt area and apply plenty of sunscreen. Try to keep up this habit even when the sunburn has gone away.

Other tips:
Drink plenty of water to replenish your fluid levels.
As soon as it becomes comfortable to do so, apply a moisturising cream to the
burnt area to keep it moist and supple. Even though it will not prevent peeling,
moisturising will help prevent the new skin below from drying out.
Chemists stock a range of sunburn treatments that can be rubbed or sprayed on to
the skin.
For severe sunburn, or if you are experiencing blistering, headaches, nausea,
vomiting, dizziness or severe pain, you should see a doctor immediately.

For further information call the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20